Where Did Rapture Theology Come From? Ben Witherington III

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Dispensationalism, a theology originating from a vision of the pre-tribulation Rapture, spread through figures like Reverend Darby and Dwight L. Moody, leading to the founding of the Plymouth Brethren denomination, the creation of Rapture-focused novels, and the establishment of influential study materials like the Scofield Reference Bible and the Dallas Theological Seminary.

Insights

  • Dispensationalism, a theological reading of the Bible, traces its roots to a vision of a pre-tribulation Rapture by a teenage girl in Glasgow, Scotland, leading to the establishment of the Plymouth Brethren denomination by Reverend Darby.
  • The dissemination and popularization of dispensationalism in the United States were significantly propelled by Dwight L. Moody, who promoted the theology, resulting in the production of influential works like "Jesus is Coming" and the Scofield Reference Bible, which provided detailed support for the Rapture theory, solidifying its presence in American religious discourse.

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  • What is dispensationalism?

    A theological reading of the Bible.

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Summary

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Origins and Spread of Dispensationalism in America

  • Dispensationalism, a reading of the Bible that emerged in the 19th century, originated from a teenage girl's vision of a pre-tribulation Rapture in Glasgow, Scotland, leading to Reverend Darby's preaching and the founding of the Plymouth Brethren denomination.
  • The dissemination of dispensationalism expanded through Dwight L. Moody, who popularized the theology in the United States, leading to the creation of novels like "Jesus is Coming" and the influential Scofield Reference Bible, which included headings and study notes supporting the Rapture theory.
  • In the mid-1920s, the theological movement of dispensationalism gained scholarly support with the establishment of the Dallas Theological Institute, later becoming Dallas Theological Seminary, solidifying the theology's presence in America alongside Chicago as major centers of study.
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